Some police officers mentioned in the news over the last couple of months that have either been sacked, from the Metropolitan Police service or sent to prison for their deplorable conduct

Police officer sacked, found guilty of gross misconduct. Failed, to investigate an alleged assault, lied to cover up behavior, make false entries on the crime report. Breached metropolitan guidelines regarding honesty and integrity, duties and responsibilities and discreditable conduct.

Another police officer sacked for punching a member of the public and calling him silly, accused of using unjustifiable and unreasonable force.

Police officer sacked, found guilty of having sex with 14-year-old girl, sentenced to four years in prison.

Two police constable sacked because they failed a teenager that died following a street brawl. They apparently failed to effectively detailed suspects, victims, and witnesses, and then made misleading and inaccurate reports about the incident. Their professional behaviour was inadequate.

The Metropolitan police service employs around 31,000 police officers, so six officers, being sacked or going to prison doesn’t seem to represent an epidemic of bad cops.

However, what it demonstrate is to highlight the fact that police officers are a human being and fallible. They are not above making mistakes, but because they held, to a very high standard, their mistakes can have catastrophic consequences.

I believe that what the Met and the Courts are achieving will give the public faith in the fact that they can if necessary, make a complaint against a serving police officer it will be investigated, knowing that checks and balances exist within our police service are a good thing.